Politicians and pundits warn weekly of the ramifications of terrorists getting their hands upon a nuclear device. What if a criminal with a masterplan got ahold of history? That is part of the plot of Timeless.

A new Vancouver-filmed NBC action/adventure/science fiction series, it features oddball heroes, one very charismatic bad guy (or is he?), and a time-travelling conspiracy threatening all of humanity.

A discredited spy named Garcia Flynn (Goran Visnjic; ER, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) jacks a time machine from a industrialist’s research lab and a chase party is assembled. History professor Dr. Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer; Mad Men, Suits, Cowboys & Aliens), Black Ops specialist Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter; 90210, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and scientist Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett; The Office, The Hurt Locker) are hardly a crack team. But each has unique skills required for hot pursuit through the centuries.

Wait, don’t the rules of time travel say no messing with the past or it’s trouble?

“Well, yes, and that is something very different in Timeless where someone is trying to upset history,” said Goran Visnijc. “We made a couple of barriers for ourselves we can’t break, like you can’t go to the period in time where you previously existed and change something that happened. To, say, stop someone who perhaps killed your family that you are accused of killing, you have to go back and maybe kill their father.”

Foreshadow much, Mr. Visnijc?

The actor allows that his character is complicated. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear to all that any time travel carries consequences. Timeless harbours many undercurrents. The budget enables attention to detail in costuming, sets and effects, as was clear during a set visit to a Watergate-era set episode. There were gorgeous vintage muscle cars, big afros and plaid polyester bell bottoms straight out of a Wild and Crazy Guys skit.

“We’ve been having a blast going through different periods of time, right down to the pants, which are my own personal pair,” laughs Matt Lanter. “It’s sort of Mission Impossible meets Quantum Leap with some very Spielberg-esque qualities. There is a good mix of tongue-in-cheek comedy in the action I really enjoy as well.”

This is echoed by Abigail Spencer and Malcolm Barrett. Both their characters find themselves living more fully realized lives chasing Flynn across the ages than they do in daily life, only to learn that comes with a price.

“Lucy is one of the most respected historians around and, because they can’t take Google back in time, they send her because she has it all in her head,” said Spencer. “Of course, she is not prepared, which leads to major complications. She quickly learns that there is more to the story of her being selected too.”

“On the other hand, I have the pretty clearly defined role of being along because I’m the only guy who knows how to pilot the ship,” said Barrett. “Of course, I’m exposed early on keeping secrets from the others, and no one is there without ulterior motives. We keep learning backstories on set as we film.”

Timeless joins a host of other new programs — Showcase’s Travelers, the Kennedy Assasination-themed mini-series 11.22.63, comedy Future Girl and others — including some aspect of time travel. The easy answer to why that is at this time just isn’t happening.

In 1895, British author H.G. Wells published the Time Machine and the world of science fiction was forever altered with the concept one could cruise through the centuries by using technology. Here are five TV shows that feature temporal shifting as a central premise:

Dr. Who (1963 – 1989; 2005 – ongoing): The tales of the rogue Time Lord from Gallifrey known only as the Doctor have enraptured generations with some of the best baddies in history (Daleks, Stone Angels, Cyberman) and a foppish frontman. Filming in B.C. this season.

The Time Tunnel (1966 – 1967): Two scientists get trapped in the time stream when their secret time project glitches. Notable for some of the coolest graphics ever.

Quantum Leap (1989 – 1993): Dr. Sam Beckett (Scott Bakula) jumps through spacetime during an experiment to bounce around history righting wrongs. TV Guide named it one of the top cult TV shows.

Sliders (1995 – 1999): A group of people “slide” — hence the name — through parallel universes via a convenient wormhole for limited time adventures.

Outlander (2014 – ongoing): British nurse Claire Randall jumps from 1945 to Scotland, c. 1743, where the dashing Highlander Jamie Fraser and her hit it off big time. If you thought long distance relationships were messy, you have no idea how much worse it can get.

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